Back in my New York living days I would frequent the Hell's Kitchen flea market on a lazy Sunday afternoon. One such day I came across a pair of Simple Sew Rag Toys, a duck (pictured below) and a young maiden. I thought they were beautiful but a little expensive. So I tucked them under some fabric hoping no one would find them while I continued browsing the market. Well, when I came to my senses and returned to the stand someone had purchased the young maiden and left the duck. I'm glad I at least got one. I just love the simplicity of the design and the idea of putting together your own toy.

1. I LOVE Aloe Blacc's album Shine Through. I play it on the way to school, while I'm on the computer and when I'm cooking, EVERYDAY!2. Neutrogena Triple Moisture® Healing Shine Serum is great in my naturally curly hair. I just started using it and so far so good.3. Brown Betty is a cute little dessert boutique in Philly and their red velvet cupcakes are ridiculously delicious. I treat myself to one whenever I can.

While browsing around the lovely blog, Masala Chai, I discovered the photos of Meena Kadri. She has an extensive Flickr collection of photos taken on the streets of India. Here is a small sample of her photos, a series showcasing Cola branding throughout the country. See more photos here.

Who? Erin, 22 andTiffany, 24Where?
ERIN: Queens, New York all day everyday.TIFFANY: Born and raised in Queens, NY. Relocating to Brooklyn VERY soonWhat do you do?ERIN: I'm a children's wear designer but I enjoy making art dolls. I loooove fashion and being creative. Igraduated from Fashion Institute of Technologymajoring in Fashion Design, specializing in Children'sWear. My ultimate goal is opening my own " Mommy andMe" stylish boutique!TIFFANY: I'm currently a coordinator at Warner Music Group. I love
art, design and children! Recently I applied to an Art Education
graduate program. I would love to become an art educator at the
Brooklyn Children's Museum.What inspired you to start Love, Mama?WE
LOVE DOLLS, ART, COLOR,FUNK, SOUL and FUN! We grew up with cloth dolls
in our home. Our mother began collecting cloth dolls when she had us.
She found the dolls in TOY R US didn't represent her black daughters
and were not unique. So when she attended her first black doll show she
FOUND HER ANSWER! Soon our grandmother began her own doll line named
Mama Love dolls. It was their goal to have positive images in our home
to refer to. And our dolls were some of those images. They were brown,
stylish, colorful, well made and individual. It's our goal to continue
that legacy. Therefore we began Love, Mama in 2001 with the guidance of experienced doll artist like Adrienne McDonald. Currently our dolls can be found on lovemamadolls.etsy.com

What inspires you?
ERIN: Art and people.TIFFANY: Frida Kahlo, textiles, NYC, music, African and Indian art, children and my elders.Why are you fly?
ERIN: Because I'm a down to earth, intelligent,creative, funny and loving young black woman.TIFFANY: I'm fly because I acknowledge the FLY in everyone. I'm
open-minded, supportive, caring, funny, happy, stylish and focus! And
because my sister and I are the youngest black doll artist I KNOW! Doll
making in our community was once essential because dolls of color
weren't produced. Doll making is a dying art form now. But I hope some
more creative people join us by learning the craft. Now that would be
REALLY FLY!Advice:ERIN: Education is your freedom. Love and stay true toyourself. Don't talk to boys haha. Don't be afraid to go after what you want. Don't wear black and orangetogether, you'll end up looking like a Halloween decoration. TIFFANY: Erin said it best EDUCATION IS YOUR FREEDOM! Everyday
challenge yourself to learn something new. Acknowledge the past so you
know how your present was created and so you know how to make a better
future. History is so important! Keep an open mind because you can
learn a great deal from simple conversations with your peers and
elders. Follow your own path. Keep positive images & people around
you. Don't be afraid to be an ARTIST! Create every moment you have.
Find your voice and love who you ARE FIRST! And loving yourself may
take time. Be patient with your growth! Don't rush life! And yah orange
and black is a hard look to carry off. However hard never means
impossible.